Pancreatic Cancer
Over the past decade, the incidence of pancreatic cancer is seen to be on the rise. It is one of the major types of cancer, and is only behind lung and colon cancer in mortality rate. Even with new advancements, effective screening tests for pancreatic cancer are still not devised.
Definition
In simple words, pancreatic cancer can be defined as uncontrolled, un-programmed, rapid cellular division of the pancreatic tissue, resulting in a malignant mass of cells, which can be differentiated from normal cells by the loss of structural integrity and architectural configuration of the cells.
Pancreas sits behind the stomach. It is an accessory organ serving in the digestive function of the body. It has two types of functions. The endocrine function serves to release the pancreatic hormones, insulin . These hormones are significant regulators of glucose metabolism. The exocrine function of the pancreas serves to release digestive enzymes into the small bowel. These enzymes help in digestion of protein, carbs and fat component of the food.